Taking a breather

Cook actually has a personal history with the location; her grandfather owned the building in the late-1960s into the '70s, and ran a liquor store there. She's a third-generation Bethlehem resident.

"We were both trying to bring solitude to people, except his was with alcohol and mine is with yoga," Cook said.

Until Jan. 24, the Breathing Room will be celebrating its opening with free, 15-minute yoga sessions or energy readings. You can sign up on the Web site: www.theroomtobreathe.com. The business will also be "going red" on Friday, Feb. 5, for National Wear Red Day, organized by the American Heart Association. That day will feature special yoga classes and energy readings that focus on the heart.

Not only will the first week of events be discounted, but the proceeds will also be donated to Haiti earthquake relief efforts through the Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team, (AMURT), said Cook. Spohr did work with the organization in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.